Supporting policy implementation in a platformised music industry

Curated by members of ekip, this list highlights selected resources to support policy implementation related to the platformisation of the music industry.

Supporting policy implementation in a platformised music industry

The platformisation of music has democratised distribution but flooded platforms with content, favoring major labels and leaving most artists struggling. Streaming has eroded middle-class earnings, while AI and algorithms often confine growth to national markets. Diversification into social audio, such as live audio discussions and community interactions, and short videos is growing, but sustainable revenue models remain a key challenge. Despite these challenges, data-driven insights and evolving platform services offer new opportunities for artists and labels. Below are two resources from Fair MuSE, designed to support policy implementation related to the platformisation of the music industry.

Fairness in the EU music ecosystem policy: heading towards a multifaceted approach

This policy brief by examines the evolving concept of ‘fairness’ within the European music industry. It highlights how digitisation and platformisation have disrupted traditional business models, leading to policy interventions associated with unfair trade practices. The brief underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of ‘fairness’ to address challenges related to remuneration, transparency, content moderation, cultural diversity, and competition in the digital music landscape.

Origins, goals and effects of EU law and
policy in the online music sector

This draft deliverable provides a comprehensive analysis of European Union legislation and its impact on the digital music industry. It examines the origins and objectives of EU policies, exploring their effects on various stakeholders within the online music ecosystem. The analysis aims to shed light on how EU law influences the operations of online music platforms, the rights and remuneration of music creators, and the accessibility of music for consumers.